Erika
Susi and the team were excellent. The facilities and location for our very first time on SUPs were great. We had a blast!




We are proud to offer the National Coasteering Charter (NCC) Guide Award training and assessments. This professional-level course is ideal for existing coasteering guides seeking the NNC guide award and for those aspiring to become adventure guides. Our comprehensive training is delivered in the stunning setting of East Lothian, providing the perfect backdrop for developing your guiding skills.
During the intensive two-day course, you'll learn essential skills to become a competent guide, including:
This course is perfect for those looking to become adventure guides or for existing coasteering guides aiming to gain the NNC guide award.
This is a two-day intensive course covering key skills such as group management, rescue methods, and water entry and exit techniques, followed by a consolidation period for practical application of these skills. We also accommodate existing guides with appropriate prior learning, allowing them to apply directly for the assessment.
The course culminates in a rigorous assessment, including a physical lead guiding and a theory paper, to certify candidates as fully qualified NCC Coasteering Guides.
Delivered from our base, a renovated Victorian stable with excellent facilities and set amidst the stunning East Coast of Scotland, we offer an ideal learning environment with access to multiple coasteering sites. This ensures the development of well-rounded and highly proficient coasteering guides.
The course is available year-round, catering to a maximum group size of 8, and is open to individuals aged 18 and above.
Candidates should have a strong interest in adventure guiding, good physical fitness, and swimming ability. Previous experience in coasteering or related fields is beneficial but not mandatory for beginners.
Accommodation is not included in this course, allowing you the flexibility to choose lodgings that suit your preferences and budget.
Training sessions are conducted from our base, a beautifully renovated Victorian stable building equipped with classroom space, log burning stoves, and surrounded by an epic coastline.
Our NCC Coasteering Guide Award course is set in the diverse coastal landscape of East Lothian, offering a unique training experience. Our expert instructors are committed to nurturing well-rounded, proficient guides. With a mix of practical and theoretical learning, access to varied coasteering sites, and a welcoming training base, we provide an ideal platform for aspiring coasteering guides.
Book online now to begin your journey as a professional coasteering guide!
We are based at Hedderwick Hill Stables, by Belhaven, Dunbar EH42 1XF. It’s really easy to find – just take the turn-off to Hedderwick Hill Farm on the A1087. This is 25 miles east of Edinburgh by Dunbar.
There’s changing, coffee and lots of space to hang out. From here you will be driven to spectacular coasteering locations around 10 – 20 minutes away.
Along with our Public Liability insurance, we are continually building on our qualifications. As a team, we have the following qualifications, so you can be sure you are in the right hands for whatever you are doing with us: Mountain Leader (Winter); Mountain Leader (Summer); ASI SUP Instructor Trainer/Assessor; SLSGB Trainer/Assessor; Single Pitch Award (rock climbing); Trail Cycle Leader (mountain biking); SLSGB Surf Lifeguard; SLSGB Coasteering Safety and Rescue; ASI SUP Instructor Level 3; ASI Surf Instructor Level 2; HSE First Aid Certificate; Scottish Field Archery Association Leader; Neural Linguistic Programming Practitioner Certificate; PDA in Youth Work; Mountain Instructor Award (training).
We hold an Adventure Activity License. This allows participants under the age of 18 to take part in an activity with us without parental/guardian supervision. Please note, a parent or guardian will be required to sign a declaration form before the activity.
For coasteering, The National Coasteering Charter (NCC) is an advisory membership organisation providing coasteering companies and guides with support and advice as well as the benchmark for safety for this activity. Our guides are highly experienced and run Coasteering Guide Workshops for other providers of coasteering using the NCC guides framework. You can’t find better-skilled or more experienced guides in the area. We are the people the guides come to learn from.
ASI [Academy of Surf Instructors] is the world’s leading professional membership organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle boarding and body boarding. We are an accredited ASI school and instructor training centre, this means our instructors are of the highest possible professional standards. ASI creates and sets the international standards and continuously investigates and researches industry practices and liaises with the industry itself and government departments around the world, to ensure we are at the leading edge for the provision of education, accreditation, standards and safe practices, and with respect and harmony with nature.
All our adventures are continually risk assessed as part of our planning and professional procedures. This assessment is also integrated into our insurance process.
As a responsible and ethical adventure company we are committed to the wild and natural environment we work in. We strive to put the planet first in everything we do.
We recognise that a love for our beautiful wild places demands active participation in the fight to save them. This is of course a dynamic process and we are always striving to minimise our impact in, educate our clients on and improve our contribution towards, our natural environment.
We align as partners with adventuro, who are a net-zero company from day-one, partnering with Rewilding Britain to protect our playground.
To enrol in the NCC Coasteering Guide Award Course, candidates must meet certain prerequisites. Firstly, you should be at least 18 years old. A strong swimming ability and a good level of physical fitness are essential due to the nature of coasteering activities. While prior experience in coasteering or related outdoor activities is beneficial, it is not mandatory for beginners. For existing guides looking to gain the NCC guide award, evidence of appropriate prior learning and experience in coasteering is required. A keen interest in adventure sports and a commitment to learning new guiding skills are also important for all candidates.
We are committed to providing an exceptional learning experience for all candidates. The course is delivered from our Base in East Lothian, a beautifully renovated Victorian stable that offers a conducive learning environment with classroom space and comfortable amenities, including log burning stoves, plenty of coffee, and snacks. All technical equipment required for the course is provided, ensuring that candidates have access to high-quality and safe gear. Our experienced instructors are highly qualified and provide personalised guidance to each participant, ensuring a thorough understanding and application of coasteering skills. Additionally, our location allows access to a variety of coastal sites, ensuring a well-rounded training experience in different terrains and conditions.
Susi and the team were excellent. The facilities and location for our very first time on SUPs were great. We had a blast!
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Ocean Vertical, a partner of adventuro.